The Capitol Grille Hosts John Mariani for Exclusive Dinner Event

Esteemed food writer, John Mariani, will visit The Hermitage Hotel to entertain guests with a sensational dinner in celebration of his latest book, “How Italian Food Conquered the World”

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 22, 2011 — The Capitol Grille is going Italian, for one night only. On, Wednesday, June 29, the restaurant known for southern cuisine featuring sustainable produce from the garden at Glen Leven will host acclaimed author and Esquire magazine Food and Travel Correspondent John Mariani.

Capitol Grille Executive Chef Tyler Brown, not deviating from the central theme of sustainable fare, will create a dinner with only Italian-themed dishes in honor of the author and the launch of his latest book, How Italian Food Conquered the World. The menu for the night includes: parsnip insalata with parsley, bacon and fava beans, Glen Leven beef tenderloin carpaccio with stravecchio, basil and foccia, trout with ricotta ravioli, ramps, morels, and cured Meyer lemon as well as Cruze Dairy buttermilk panna cotta with balsamic, rhubarb, hazelnut pizzelle.

“It is an exciting honor to get to work with John. He is a highly respected food writer, and I know we will create an unforgettable night for our guests,” said Brown.

Mariani, an author and journalist for more than 30 years, is widely known as one of America’s premiere food writers and is a three-time nominee for the James Beard Journalism Award, which has been deemed by some as “the Oscars of the food world.”

He has published and authored several books, including: The Encyclopedia of American Food & Drink, Eating Out: Fearless Dining in Ethnic Restaurants, Mariani’s Coast-to-Coast Dining Guide, America Eats Out, The Four Seasons: A History of America’s Premier Restaurant, Vincent’s Cookbook, The Dictionary of Italian Food & Drink, Grilling for Dummies and his newest book, How Italian Food Conquered the World.

Additionally, he has co-authored annual editions of Passports to New York Restaurants, written the food and restaurant sections of the Encyclopedia of New York City, contributed entries to Chronicle of America and was editor of Italian Cuisine: Basic Cookbook Techniques, which became the textbook for Italian cooking at the Culinary Institute of America.

“His reputation precedes him as one of the top food writers in the nation, and his books are widely known within the food world,” said Janet Kurtz, Hermitage Hotel sales and marketing director. “Guests will truly enjoy this event and have the chance to meet an extraordinary writer who has taught us so much about the heritage of food.”

The dinner is open to the public but is limited to 100 guests. Tickets can be purchased online and due to pre-sales, availability to purchase tickets at the event may be restricted. For $80 per person, diners will enjoy a four-course Italian meal as well as a signed copy of the author’s newest book, How Italian Food Conquered the World.

For more information or to purchase dinner tickets in advance, call The Capitol Grille reservations line at 615.345.7116.

About The Hermitage Hotel and the Capitol Grille

Opened in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been woven into the history and memories of Nashville and her residents for over 100 years. In keeping with a deep respect for Nashville and the state of Tennessee, The Hermitage Hotel is committed to preserving the region’s heritage by putting into practice the traditions that make hospitality synonymous with The South. This commitment extends to protecting the state’s historic and scenic landscapes through a relationship with The Land Trust for Tennessee. This relationship began in 2008 when a program was created in which guests may donate $2.00 for every night they stay in the hotel. To date guests have donated over $150,000. The Hermitage Hotel is the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel in Tennessee and five contiguous states.

The commitment to preservation continues in the hotel’s Capitol Grille and Oak Bar. Relaxed, low key, and known as the place for Nashvillians “in the know,” the Capitol Grille is inspired by cultural sustainability. That is, preserving the past while using techniques of the present. Our commitment to using local food extends beyond sourcing local. The ingredients are grown at the Farm at Glen Leven, just five miles from Capitol Grille, by Executive Chef and Farmer Tyler Brown. Brown creates a menu which shifts with the season, is based on what is the freshest and best available, and pays homage to historic southern cuisine.

Chef Brown is actively involved with Share Our Strength, an organization whose mission is to end childhood hunger by 2015, and the Chef’s Move to Schools program, an offshoot of the Let’s Move program. Also, by supporting the Southern Foodways Alliance, the team at the Capitol Grille works to assure that the recipes and methods passed from generation to generation are not lost. The Capitol Grille is Nashville’s only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond restaurant.

The Hermitage Hotel is the most likely location in Nashville to find a Who’s Who of the entertainment world. Guests have included Tom Cruise, Jon Bon Jovi, Scarlett Johansson and the Jonas Brothers, among many others.

About Us

The Hermitage Hotel in Downtown Nashville: Easy Going Elegance, Five Star Luxury
Get a taste of Tennessee tradition. Southern hospitality and all of the comforts of home combine at The Hermitage Hotel, in the center of downtown Nashville, TN.
Opened in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been woven into the history and memories of Nashville and her residents for over 100 years. With a deep respect for Nashville and Tennessee, The Hermitage Hotel is committed to preserving the region’s heritage and practicing the traditions that make hospitality synonymous with The South.
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, staying at The Hermitage Hotel will make your trip more fun, more beautiful and much more memorable. The Hermitage Hotel is Tennessee’s only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel.